Stabucks Mug Collection: Hawaii

I want to back be here right now.....

Town Kaimuki @ 3435 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu

This is where the real fun begins: that pivotal moment when you become accustomed to a city after multiple trips; you have a general lay of the land, you've been suckered to all the tourist traps and now you get to really explore the hidden gems and local favorites.

So I'll start my review with my final verdict:
I LOVE Town!!! It's a quintessential local restaurant; the ambience, location and food creates an inviting experience highlighting Hawaiian hospitality with locally grown organic ingredients and innovative combinations that can only be conceived here on this heavenly island of dreams.

Halekulani: Morning View of Diamond Head

Random Photo: Seafood Laksa Curry @ Mariposa

Random Photo: Waikiki Sunset

Side Street Inn @ 1225 Hopaka St, Honolulu

In every city, you will find that one 'landmark' restaurant that's loved by locals and revered by visitors; the 'must' go to venue.  It has the best (insert dish here) the comfort food that is quintessentially specific to that locale and it is worth every 'foodies' effort to pilgrimage and bow to it's culinary alter....

So in Honolulu,  Side Street Inn has such a veritable reputation; great Asian comfort food and great for late night dining (probably after consuming copious amounts of liquor)..... And if you ask yourself, why is Alan saying this?


then continue below and you will see....

Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin @ 255 Beachwalk, Honolulu

In Honolulu, there's an never ending opportunity to have Japanese comfort food; and what's always on my mind...Tonkatsu.  This breaded and fried pork cutlet is most definitely my favorite food in the world; it probably stems from my summers in Japan and seeing my grandparents will always be the fondest of memories.

My Grandmother was a excellent chef and a wizard in the kitchen, it's where I spent many a hot, muggy day with her in that ramshackle of a toolshed making and baking the most wonderful dishes; from Curry Stew and Yakisoba to French Pastries and Meat Pies, I was first introduced to
another world of flavors and thus began my passion
for knowledge and food. It was the inception of my palate.




Which is probably why I am a food blogger, I'm just ecstatic over the prospect of a meal. Because it's more than just nourishment, greater than it's entertainment value; to me, it's a celebration of interaction and an expression of love.  And for those who know and understand me inherently get it's importance.  So, I take from her a long family tradition; a service of taking care of family that I hope to pass onto my family and loved ones.  I feel sympathy for those who did not get to experience this love growing up, for it is the hearth that warms the soul.

My Grandma never used cutlets, instead she bought a whole Pork loin for her Katsu, marinated in her own secret recipe, it would come out like nuggets, extra crispy and delicious. I would make my own secret Tonkatsu sauce (which was just Tonkatsu, Ketchup and Mayo)  and we would sit down and have a real, multi-generational family meal, my most cherished memories of my childhood.

Rest in peace, Grandma.  We didn't always see eye to eye, but I love you nonetheless.  You will always be a part of me.

The Pineapple Room by Alan Wong @ 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard Honolulu, HI

The first stop on the culinary journey, I decided to try out a local celebrity chef's restaurant the Pineapple Room by Alan Wong.

The famous and most prolific chef to have emerged from Hawaii is Chef Roy Yamaguchi of the Roy's.  Not to be outdone, Chef Alan Wong has a just as big of an international name with the love of hawaii locals; with numerous accolades, he has captured the essence of Hawaiian regional cuisine with a contemporary twist and has received numerous prestigious awards including a top ten ranking in the fifty best restaurants in America.


Click below to read more...

Nanzan Giro Giro @ 560 Pensacola St, Honolulu Hawaii

The food in Honolulu is exciting; there's such a variety of food and culture.  A lot of it is Japanese influenced, which makes me pretty happy because there's nothing better than good Japanese food for me!  And after having a great dining experience at Giro Giro Hitoshina in Kyoto, it was fortuitous that they have another venue located right in the heart of Honolulu; near the Alan Moana Shopping Center, we were able to just stroll over to the restaurant friendly section where a lot of new and upcoming venues have popped up right next to some old favorites!

Click below to read more...

Aloha from Hawaii!!!

Click below to see more....